At the Library: Career Workskhop; Free Concert; Santa Visits!

Hello, and happy Friday!

Here are a couple of great Library activities that I hope will interest you.  One is a career workshop called “Working Differently: Beyond 9-5” put on by Phase2 Careers, and the other is a holiday concert at the library featuring Gabriel’s Trio.
Also, I’ve put in the schedule for Santa at the libraries, so you can get your lists ready…

Please read below!

thanks

~ malcolm

  

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Working Differently: Beyond the 9-5 – with Phase2 Careers  

Tuesday, December 11 10 AM – 12:00 PM
Downtown Library Community Room
1044 Middlefield Road

Tired of working a 9-5 job? Want to work differently? Interested in having passion in your job? Interested in flexibility? Have a variety of career interests and would like to integrate them? Curious in learning how to juggle and manage a variety of career tracks?

In this career presentation, you will:

• Explore the possibilities and learn from a panel about their experiences as free-lancers, consultants, and part-time workers.
• Consider how you launch and explore this new path.  Is it the right path for you?
• Take advantage of an opportunity to network about your future in a supportive environment.

About Phase2Careers: The mission of Phase2Careers is to assist the “Over 40” Worker in the Bay Area with finding new career opportunities through job search/career development workshops, networking/recruitment events, and special career presentations. Register at  www.phase2careers.org

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Enjoy Old Fashioned Festive Holiday Spirit with a Holiday Concert while you wait for Santa at the Downtown Library, featuring

Gabriel’s Trio Holiday Concert
Wednesday, December 12, 6:30 – 7:30 PM

Downtown Library Fireplace Room, 1044 Middlefield Road Sponsored by Friends of the Redwood City Library

Gabriel’s Trio got its start playing flourishes and carols at the Old English Christmas Feasts at the Hotel Mark Hopkins.  Gabriel’s Trumpets have performed for the San Francisco Symphony, Opera and Ballet, City Hall, the San Francisco International Film Festival, Gump’s, Ghirardelli Square and The Tech Museum of San Jose, just to name a few. Visit  www.brassworksband.com for more information!

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Santa Appearing at the Redwood City Library!

Bring your family, your list, your BEST behavior – and your camera!

Sunday December 9 from 1 – 3 pm Redwood Shores Branch Library
399 Marine Parkway

Tuesday December 11 from 3:30-5:30 pm Schaberg Branch Library
2140 Euclid Avenue

Wednesday December 12 from 6-8 pm Downtown Library
1044 Middlefield Road

Thursday December 13 from 4:30-6:30 pm Fair Oaks Branch Library
2510 Middlefield Road

Santa’s travel arrangements to visit the Redwood City Libraries are provided by The Friends of the Redwood City Library

 

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Library’s “Food for Fines” Clears Late Fees, Helps 2nd Harvest Food Bank

Redwood City Library Offers Amnesty for Overdue Fines: “Food for Fines” Helps Second Harvest Food Bank and Families in Need

The Redwood City Public Library, in partnership with the San Mateo County Library and Second Harvest Food Bank, presents a unique way to both clear up unpaid library fines, and build community by donating food to those in need. It’s the third annual “Food-for-Fines” program, which allows library patrons to pay-off their library fines by donating food during the month of December.

Anyone with outstanding library fines is invited to deliver nonperishable food items to any Redwood City library (or to any of the San Mateo County Library’s twelve branches) during regular business hours. Those library patrons with unpaid fines are encouraged to donate food, and they’ll leave the library with a cleared account and the great feeling of having helped others as the holidays approach.

All food collected will be provided to Second Harvest Food Bank, and of course everyone is encouraged to donate food to help those in need, even if they don’t owe any library fines – each library has a special Second Harvest Food Bank bin where donated food items can be placed. In past years, between both the Redwood City Library and the San Mateo County Library system, “Food For Fines” collected nearly two dozen TONS of food, feeding over 1,000 families for one week each, and cleared fines for thousands of library users.

Over 45.5 million pounds of nutritious food is delivered annually by Second Harvest Food Bank to low income people in need in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. The majority of these people are children and seniors. These millions of pounds of food are provided free of charge to over 300 local nonprofit agencies at more than 700 sites, including pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and after-school programs.

Please note that food donations as part of the Food for Fines program cannot be applied towards the cost of lost or damaged library items, collection fees, or printing fees. The program is only valid for fines and fees from San Mateo County Libraries and Redwood City Libraries. Libraries can accept only store-sealed items, and cannot accept glass containers.

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Holiday Fest; Caltrain Holiday Train; Toy Drive

Hello – this is your email reminder of some wonderful holiday activities that I’m sure you’ll want to check out. Redwood City’s Hometown Holidays is TOMORROW; Caltrain’s Holiday Train returns, at the Caltrain station Saturday Evening; and the Redwood City Police/Firefighters/PAL Toy and Book Drive is on, with a special kick-off dinner at ARYA Global Cuisine, on December 5.

Please read on for the details!

thanks,

~ malcolm

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Hometown Holidays!

It’s all happening downtown Saturday, December 1^st, starting at 10 AM – where everyone, young & old, can enjoy a fabulous day-long event filled with fun.

This free family celebration includes:

• an incredible, kid-pleasing snow play area
• an ice sculpting demo and display
• grea  entertainment
• wonderful booths to get your holiday shopping started
• the traditional children’s holiday parade
• the annual City Hall tree lighting and famous fireworks spectacular
• of course, visit with Santa Claus, himself!

All of the details are available at  www.hometownholidays.org, including a schedule of the day’s festivities, or call the Hometown Holidays Hotline at (650) 307-4064 or email: info@hometownholidays.org. It’s all happening, rain or shine!

 
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Caltrain Holiday Train

After a two-year hiatus, the Caltrain Holiday Train is back! See it at the Redwood City Caltrain station, Saturday December 1 at 6:15 pm, and bring a new unwrapped toy to donate. The Holiday Train is a free family event that brings together thousands of local community members in the spirit of joy and giving.

Decorated with 60,000 glittering lights, the dazzling show-train will visit 10 Caltrain stations between San Francisco and Santa Clara over two nights in December, providing holiday entertainment and collecting donations of toys for local children who otherwise might not receive a gift during the holidays. Get the details at

www.holiday-train.org 
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Redwood City Toy & Book Drive

The Redwood City Police and Fire Departments, Police Activities League, and Parks Recreation and Community Services, have teamed up with the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office and its CARON project, San Carlos Fire Department, and Woodside Fire Protection District for the annual Toy & Book Drive!

Last year, over 50 local businesses filled 60 donation barrels with over 12,000 toys and books, and provided them to about 500 needy families. Deliveries take place with Santa Claus in a police car or a fire engine arriving at the home to hand out the presents, giving the kids a thrill they’ll long remember. One thing that makes this program special is the collection and distribution of new books as well as toys. Each child served receives two gifts, a book, a stuffed animal, and several stocking stuffers, all of which bring that holiday sparkle to their eyes.

Donations of toys and books may be made at any collection barrel, or at City Hall, the Police Department, the Main Library, or any fire station. Businesses, individuals, or groups wishing to get involved can get more information at www.toydriverwc.com 
Upcoming Toy Drive events:

• Wednesday, December 5 – Fundraiser Party 6PM – 9PM 
  ARYA Global Cuisine 855 Middlefield Road
  Sponsored by Sequoia Realty Services and W. L. Butler Construction
  20% of the evening’s revenue will be donated to the Toy Drive. Also drop      off unwrapped toys at the restaurant
• Wednesday, December 12 – Wrapping Party 5PM – 8PM
  Red Morton  Community Center 1120 Roosevelt Avenue
• Entire week of December 17 – Donation drop off
  Peet’s Coffee 2600 Broadway
  During the week of December 17 Peet’s will be collecting monetary donations for the Toy Drive. They will also provide free coffee at our Wrapping Party. Also drop off unwrapped toys at the restaurant.

Visit  www.toydriverwc.com for more information and to get involved!

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Sandbags for Redwood City Residents

A quick note: if you are in a flood-prone area of Redwood City, you’ll want to know that sandbags are available to help with preventing flooding – these are for Redwood City residents only and there is a limit of 30 sandbags per household.
You can pick up filled sandbags in the parking lot of Redwood City’s Public Works Services building, 1400 Broadway (between Chestnut and Woodside).

Our Public Works Services and public safety staff will of course be monitoring the storm conditions closely. You can help by making sure the storm drains on your street are clear of leaves and other debris. It’d be great if someone on each street would take the responsibility to clean any debris and leaves that may be covering catch basins or inlets before the storms start, and then keep an eye on them through the weekend and clear them out if they become blocked. City crews are right now out inspecting and checking channels, creeks and storm drain inlets, but your help is needed throughout this series of storms. If you notice significant problems during the storms, you can contact Redwood City Public Works Services at (650) 780-7464.

thank you,
~ mlacolm

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Cat/Kitten Adoption Event

Good morning -I wanted to let you know about an upcoming cat/kitten adoption event, taking place this Sunday December 2 at San Mateo Pet Supply, 346 El Camino Real in Redwood City. This is brought to you by the Humanimal Connection, a nonprofit cat rescue organization in our community. If you’re considering getting a cat, please consider adoption from this group.

thanks,

~ malcolm

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Humanimal Connection’s Cat/Kitten Appreciation & Adoption Event

Humanimal Connection in partnership with San Mateo Pet Supply, announces a Cat/Kitten Appreciation & Adoption Sale. It takes place form 9 am to 7 pm, Sunday December 2 2012, and during this time adult pairs of cats are 2 for 1, and kittens are 25% off!

Yes… Humanimal Connection does have kittens!  But… have you ever thought about adopting adult cats?  Adult cats are great companions and come in all colors and sizes.   Adults are past the climbing curtains, climbing legs and wire chewing stage.  In Kittens – It’s all about them! Adults?  It’s all about you and giving the love!  Adults are well behaved, usually purr-y and loving sweet souls, very much in need of forever homes.

Many Humanimal Connection’s cats are lap cats, while a few just want the chance to prove how truly wonderful they are.  Won’t you consider adopting a bonded pair today?  They are already friends, no need for integration!  They keep each other company while you are away, engage and entertain you with their antics and enjoy loving and being loved.  Won’t you show your appreciation to these amazing, healthy and socialized cats by giving them a forever home with you?  Visit us at 346 El Camino Real, Redwood City (1 block north of Whipple Avenue) or call for more information at 888-538-9402. The Humanimal Connection website is http://humanimalconnection.comHumanimal

Connection is a 501c3 nonprofit, no-kill, cat rescue run entirely by volunteers. Humanimal Connection has been working since 1998 to facilitate healthy, helpful relationships between humans, animals, and the environment.

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Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Good afternoon – Our Fire Department staff asked me to send out this reminder, since over the last few weeks there have been a number of incidents in the greater Bay Area involving people being poisoned by carbon monoxide (CO) gas. Thankfully, no major incidents have occurred in Redwood City, but this should serve as a valuable safety reminder to our community to take some simple steps to avoid the “invisible killer.”

Carbon monoxide it is a very poisonous gas which is colorless and odorless, and because of this people may not know they are being poisoned. It’s produced by the incomplete burning of fuel in various products, including furnaces, portable generators, fireplaces, cars and charcoal grills. If fuel-burning appliances are not working properly or are used incorrectly, dangerous levels of CO can result. Hundreds of people die accidentally every year from CO poisoning caused by malfunctioning or improperly used fuel-burning appliances.

During cold weather and the increased use of heating systems, it’s critically important that everyone is aware of this danger. The first step is to be sure to have working CO alarms in the home, on each level and outside each sleeping area. As of last summer, CO detectors are required in nearly all California homes (combination smoke/CO alarms are available).

You should know the symptoms of CO poisoning: at moderate levels, you or your family can get severe headaches, become dizzy, mentally confused, nauseated, or faint. You can even die if these levels persist for a long time. Low levels can cause shortness of breath, mild nausea, and mild headaches, and may have longer term effects on your health.

In addition to installing CO detectors in the home, here are some important reminders:

• DON’T use a gas oven to heat your home, even for a short time.
• DON’T ever use a charcoal grill indoors — even in a fireplace.
• DON’T sleep in any room with an unvented gas or kerosene space heater.
• DON’T use any gasoline-powered engines (mowers, weed trimmers, snow blowers, chain saws, small engines or generators) in enclosed spaces.
• DON’T ignore symptoms, particularly if more than one person is feeling them. You could lose consciousness and die if you do nothing

For more information on carbon monoxide visit the CAL FIRE website at www.fire.ca.gov or visit the website for the California Department of Public Health at  www.cdph.ca.gov. Also visit the Redwood City Fire Department’s web page at www.redwoodcity.org/fire.

Let’s all enjoy a safe, happy holiday  season – please be sure you understand the threat of CO poisoning, and  take precautions to protect your family.

thanks,

~ malcolm

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Visit Downtown Businesses!

Good afternoon – As we all get ready to enjoy the Thanksgiving weekend I want to remind and encourage you to visit our wonderful Downtown businesses during your weekend shopping (and throughout the week!). Plus, November 24 is Small Business Saturday so be sure to support our local retailers and services.

Businesses are all open during the construction on Middlefield Road/Winslow Street, and there’s  plenty of easy parking in the Jefferson and Marshall garages, Main Street lot, and Sequoia Station garage, as well as in the Middlefield Road parking lot (enter from Jefferson side only). Theatre Way is open to vehicles all weekend (and weekdays after 3 pm) – so come on down!

Please support all our Downtown businesses, including these that are in the immediate area of this ongoing construction work:

• Arya Global Cuisine
• Café La Tartine 
• Century Theatre 
• Chipotle Mexican Grill 
• The Corner Café 
• Fish’s Wild (opening soon)
• Five Guys Burgers & Fries
• L.L. Brown Jewelers
• Pizza My Heart 
• Pizza & Pipes 
• Portobello Grill 
• Quinto Sol (opening soon)
• Saba Café 
• The Melt (opening soon)
• Yoppi Frozen Yogurt 

Stay up to date on information about this construction, and the future Redwood Tower project at www.redwoodcity.org/RedwoodTower

Thanks, and I wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving!

~ malcolm

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Upcoming events – 1st weekend in Dec.

Here is just a quick reminder of a few things coming up on the first weekend in December – get these on your calendar! Hometown Holidays, Saturday, December 1st, starting at 10 am. See www.hometownholidays.org for details, or call the Hometown Holidays Hotline at (650) 307-4064 or email: info@hometownholidays.org. Rain or shine! This free family celebration includes kids’ snow play area, ice sculpting demo, entertainment, vendor booths, holiday parade, City Hall tree lighting and fireworks, and Santa Clause! Caltrain Holiday Train – after a two-year hiatus, the Caltrain Holiday Train is back! See it at the Redwood City Caltrain station, Saturday December 1 at 6:15 pm, and bring a new unwrapped toy to donate. The Holiday Train is a free family event that brings together thousands of local community members in the spirit of joy and giving. Decorated with 60,000 glittering lights, the dazzling show-train will visit 10 Caltrain stations between San Francisco and Santa Clara over two nights in December, providing holiday entertainment and collecting donations of toys for local children who otherwise might not receive a gift during the holidays. Get the details at www.holiday-train.org. PENPEX Stamp Show, Saturday and Sunday, December 1 and 2, Community Activities Building, 1400 Roosevelt Avenue. The Peninsula Philatelic Exhibition (PENPEX) show has been around for nearly 50 years and sponsor Sequoia Stamp Club has been a part of the Redwood City community for 65 years. Open to the public every day at 10 am, closing Saturday at 5:30 pm and Sunday at 4 pm. 19 stamp dealers, youth area, silent auction, 60 exhibits, awards banquet, meetings, and U.S. Postal Service. Details at www.penpex.org/penpex-2012  Thanks, ~ malcolm

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“College for Working Adults” info night at Cañada College

Good afternoon –

Cañada College asked me to send this info out, and I think many of you may find it of interest. It’s an invitation to an Information Night next week, to learn about their College for Working Adults program. Please read below, and pass this along to others who might want to attend.

Thanks,
~ malcolm

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Come to Our Information Night – College for Working Adults

Thursday, November 29th at 6:00pm

Building 9, Room 106
Please RSVP: canadacwa@smccd.edu

More info: www.canadacollege.edu/CWA/index.php

*A quality education at $46 per unit!*

*Earn your associate degree while working full time*

*Attend classes Thursday evenings and every other Saturday*

*Transfer courses you have already taken and join  one of our current cohorts!*

As a working adult, you know how challenging it can be to juggle family, work, and other challenges in your personal life. You want a degree program that works with your schedule, your career goals, and your life.

College for Working Adults (CWA) is a new academic program being offered at Cañada College. Funded by San Mateo County’s Measure G Parcel Tax Initiative, CWA is the only program of its kind on the peninsula that makes it possible for working adults to complete a degree in just three years while continuing to work full time.

• Classes are held just two days per week on Thursday evening and every other Saturday. (Some students may need to complete prerequisite courses that require one additional evening class per week in the first year only.)
• In addition to earning up to three Associate Degrees, all 60 units earned are fully transferable to the CSU and UC college systems. This program allows students to actually complete their first two years of a four year degree on the Canada College campus.
• You pay only community college fees. Only $46 per unit.
• A cohort of 35 students is accepted each semester so there is no hectic registration. Classes are predetermined and guaranteed!!

Complete a degree in either of the following two disciplines:

AA Degree in Psychology

AA Degree Interdisciplinary Studies:

*Social and Behavioral Sciences

*Arts and Humanities

www.canadacollege.edu/CWA/index.php

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“Small Business Saturday” is Nov. 24 – Shop Local, Shop Small!

Good morning –

You already know about “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday” – but here’s a special shopping day that really makes sense, and can help our local economy in a big way.

“Small Business Saturday”

Small Business Saturday is this Saturday November 24 – it’s a day dedicated to supporting small businesses nationwide, and you can do that right here in Redwood City by shopping local, and shopping small business. Come Downtown and shop, or visit any Redwood City small retailer or service to participate in Small Business Saturday. How great is it to know you’re directly contributing to the health of our local businesses and local economy!

Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and this Saturday you can be part of helping to ensure that they continue providing the services and products you need, continue to hire employees, and continue to contribute to the economic activity in Redwood City.

Visit www.shopsmall.com for more information about the nationwide Small Business Saturday event, and be sure to spread the word to your friends and associates – shop local and shop small business on Small Business Saturday!

Thanks,

~ malcolm

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